Durham are giving the impression that only an earthquake will stop them beating Kent so if Sussex are to have any hope of claiming their third title in five seasons, they will have to win well against Worcestershire. Durham yesterday bristled with determination, most notably with a century by the captain Dale Benkenstein, before three wickets in 13 balls by the off-spinner Paul Wiseman ensured they were well on top when bad light stopped play.

While Ottis Gibson has won most of the headlines this season, Benkenstein has been just as crucial to his team's success. Resuming on 22 not out, he quickly lost Phil Mustard caught behind, but Gibson saw him through to his fifty before the big man was bowled by James Tredwell. Benkenstein went on to post his third century of the season, off 166 balls. He fell for 117 when a tired push sent an edge to slip.

Rob Key and Joe Denly later took Kent to 67 before Key gave Mustard a simple catch. Denly then got one which kept low and Matt Walker sent a thick edge to slip.

Bad light and rain are proving frustrating foes for Sussex at Hove, where 25 overs were lost yesterday to make it 40 in two days. Sussex posted 532 having resumed on 287 for four, but they still need to take 18 Worcestershire wickets on a flat pitch.